How to Train to Become a Concierge in Hotels

Victoria RoblesUpdated April 17, 2017

Concierges work in hotels, resorts and luxury apartment complexes. Their job involves helping guests feel comfortable and making sure they have everything they need. Hotel concierges work in comfortable settings and have the opportunity to work with people from different parts of the world.

While most hotels prefer to promote and train experienced hotel staff members for this position, it is possible for trained professionals to qualify to become concierges. Learn more about how to train to become a hotel concierge.

Enrol in a hospitality school. While most concierges are trained on the job, it is important to have some basic training. Concierge certificate programs are available through hospitality schools that offer online and traditional classroom training. Training programs should prepare prospective concierges to work in five-star hotels and help develop their communication and interpersonal skills. Contact the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) for a list of training programs offered by their certified hospitality educators.

Take part in the Les Clefs de'Or educational seminars. Les Clefs de'Or is a national organisation for hotel concierges. Members are recognised as highly qualified and experienced professionals within the field. While membership in this organisation is limited to concierges with five years of experience, students and entry-level concierges should contact them to learn more about their educational projects and seminars.

Take hospitality management courses. Professional training is important in this competitive field. Employers often prefer concierges who have attended college. Concierges with hospitality management training also have more job-advancement opportunities. Training is available through colleges, online schools and universities. Prospective concierges should take hospitality management courses, including hospitality fundamentals, personnel management and tourism.

Learn as much as possible about your city. Concierges must be able to provide hotel guests with detailed information about local restaurants and entertainment spots. They are responsible for making reservations for their guests and recommending the best tourist places to visit. Concierges can learn about their city by requesting a visitor's guide and tourist information from their local convention and visitors bureau. Some bureaus even offer training seminars for travel and hospitality industry professionals.

Learn a foreign language. Concierges who speak a foreign language have a great advantage over other professionals in this field because hotels often seek concierges who can communicate with foreign guests. Students can learn a foreign language through language-learning software like Rosetta Stone or websites. They can also take language-immersion courses at their local college or language school.

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About the Author

Victoria Robles graduated from Kaplan University with a degree in Paralegal Studies in 2007. She also earned her associate degree in business from Champlain College in 2002. Robles is a former job coach with three years of experience in editing real estate marketing materials and writing resumes for job seekers at her local workforce center.